Hartford Marathon Returns Saturday; Impacts In City, 3 Area Towns

HARTFORD, CT — The 2026 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon returns Saturday, Oct. 10, bringing runners, spectators, and road closures to Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, and South Windsor.

Organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, the annual event includes a full marathon, half marathon, Team 26.2 Relay, Charity 5K and HMF FitKids Run.

The races begin near the Connecticut State Capitol and finish near the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.

Race Routes Include Hartford, West Hartford And Other Towns

Marathon and half-marathon runners will begin on Capitol Avenue in front of the State Capitol.

Both courses travel through West Hartford neighborhoods and include a section through Elizabeth Park.

The full marathon route continues across the Founders Bridge into East Hartford before heading into South Windsor. Runners then return to Hartford for the finish.

Half-marathon participants separate from marathon runners about eight miles into the course and continue along the river before returning downtown.

The Charity 5K takes participants through downtown Hartford, while the Team 26.2 Relay allows teams of two to five runners to divide the marathon distance into separate legs.

Saturday's Race Schedule

According to the Hartford Marathon Foundation, Saturday's starting times are:

• 7:57 a.m.: Marathon and half-marathon wheelchair athletes, Capitol Avenue near the State Capitol.
• 8 a.m.: Marathon, half marathon, and Team 26.2 Relay, Capitol Avenue near the State Capitol.
• 8:10 a.m.: Charity 5K, Capitol Avenue east of the Bushnell Theater, between Clinton and West streets.
• 9:30 a.m.: HMF FitKids Run, Elm Street at West Street, near the eastern end of Bushnell Park.

Road Closures And Traffic Delays Expected

Motorists traveling through Hartford and communities along the marathon routes should prepare for road closures and traffic disruptions Saturday morning.

The marathon and half-marathon courses include streets in Hartford and West Hartford, while the full marathon also travels through East Hartford and South Windsor.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to review the Hartford Marathon Foundation's official road closure information before traveling.

The organization has posted race maps, parking information and traffic advisories on its website.

Bushnell Park To Host Post-Race Celebration

The marathon's finish-line celebration will take place in Bushnell Park, with food, music and activities scheduled throughout the morning and early afternoon.

The finish-line expo and festivities will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An athlete food tent will also operate from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A beer garden featuring Urban Lodge Brewing will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with live music on the Powerstation Events stage.

Registered participants age 21 and older will receive one complimentary beverage with identification. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.

The park will also feature a charity village highlighting organizations participating in the marathon's charitable fundraising efforts.

Information For Runners And Spectators

Complimentary baggage check will be available to registered runners at the Bushnell Theater entrance on Trinity Street beginning at 6 a.m.

Only official clear race-issued bags will be accepted, and participants must retrieve their belongings by 2:30 p.m.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation will also provide real-time athlete tracking, allowing spectators to follow runners' progress along the course.

A designated reunion area will be available in Bushnell Park for runners to meet family members and friends after finishing.

Free showers will be available to participants at the Downtown Hartford YMCA, 90 State House Square, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Runners must bring their own towels and government-issued photo identification.

For additional information, including race maps, road closures, parking, and spectator information, visit the Hartford Marathon Foundation's official website at hartfordmarathon.com.

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